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Title: Enhanced rates of photocatalytic degradation of an azo dye using SnO{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} coupled semiconductor thin films

Journal Article · · Environmental Science and Technology
 [1];  [2]
  1. Indiana Univ. Northwest, Gary, IN (United States)
  2. Univ. of Notre Dame, IN (United States)

We present here for the first time the results from electrochemically assisted photocatalytic experiments using coupled TiO{sub 2}/SnO{sub 2} semiconductor thin films in the degradation of textile dye effluent. We show that by using such a system the oxidative efficiency of photocatalytic semiconductor systems in degrading a commercial azo dye such as Acid Orange 7 (AO7) can be improved. The results presented here on the decolorization of the azo dye AO7 represents a major step forward in the development of new advanced oxidation processes for the treatment of such industrial waste. The improved charge separation as a result of coupling two semiconductor systems with different energy levels and the applied anodic bias is responsible for the enhancement in the rate of photocatalytic degradation. 20 refs., 6 figs.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
28689
Journal Information:
Environmental Science and Technology, Vol. 29, Issue 3; Other Information: PBD: Mar 1995
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English